Utility tariff hikes postponed in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz - Some planned increases in utility tariffs have been postponed in Kazakhstan, citing the government’s press service.

According to officials, paid services were a key driver of inflation in the first half of the year, which reached 16.1 percent.

“In light of this, a decision was made to adjust the pace of utility tariff hikes by partially postponing their increase to a later date. This measure is aimed at reducing the financial burden on citizens and helping stabilize inflation,” the statement read.

The government also summarized inflation trends over the past six months. With the start of the early harvest season, prices for socially significant vegetables have not only stopped rising but have begun to decline.

“If in April, the average price index for socially important food items was 1.6 percent, it fell to 1 percent in May and dropped by 0.7 percent in June. Over the past week, the increase was just 0.1 percent. Potato prices have been falling for three weeks in a row — by 1.3 percent. Last week, carrot prices also began to drop — by 0.9 percent. Rice, buckwheat, eggs, flour, and pasta continue to become cheaper. Prices for bread and milk remain stable,” said First Deputy Minister of Trade and Integration Aizhan Bizhanova.

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